Why do armpits sweat and emit an odor in winter?

Individual physical constitutions vary, and so do bodily conditions. For instance, during winter, while cleaning the house, one may become so busy that they break into a heavy sweat. Yet, due to the thick clothing worn in this season, sweat cannot evaporate promptly. So why does underarm sweating produce an odor in winter? Below, we address this question.

Why does underarm sweating produce an odor in winter?

Underarm sweating with an odor in winter may stem from physiological causes—such as wearing excessively thick clothing—or pathological causes—such as bromhidrosis (axillary osmidrosis).

1. Physiological causes: Wearing overly thick clothing in winter or failing to clean the underarms promptly after vigorous physical activity may lead to mild underarm odor. In such cases, no specific medical treatment is usually required. Maintaining good local hygiene, showering promptly after exercise, and washing clothes regularly are generally sufficient.

2. Pathological causes: Bromhidrosis is a common dermatological condition characterized by a pungent, unpleasant odor resulting from bacterial decomposition of secretions from apocrine glands in the axillae. Individuals with this condition often experience pronounced underarm odor even in winter—so strong that others nearby, or even those passing at a short distance, can detect it. Treatment options include surgical excision, physical laser therapy, and botulinum toxin injections.

It is advisable to avoid consuming pungent, spicy foods such as scallions, ginger, and garlic, and to limit intake of greasy foods, as these may exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, and intake of coffee and strong tea minimized, to prevent adverse stimulation of the body and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

The above outlines the possible reasons for underarm odor associated with sweating in winter. We hope this information proves helpful to you.